With quarterback Jay Cutler resting after a horrific beatdown against the New York Giants Sunday, Matt Forte needed to return to his rookie-form more than ever.

Forte got the job done, to say the least.

The 16th-year veteran Todd Collins was given the reins to Mike Martz’s offense on Sunday afternoon. However, Chicago “came off the bus running” with an 18-yard scamper by Forte, who had a refreshing breakout day.

Following a field goal by Carolina, the Bears continued to rush as the Tulane University product had two nice cuts on his way to a 68 yard score. Already, Forte and Chester Taylor gained over 100 yards through a single quarter.

With an early lead, Jimmy Clausen was immediately rattled. Eventually, he was pulled for the initial starter for 2010; Matt Moore.

Collins threatened to throw his first touchdown pass of the season after stellar field position was handed to Martz’s troops, with a near punt return for a score by Devin Hester.

The seasoned backup threw a bone-headed interception in the redzone, one of four on the day, that seemed too familiar for Bears fans.

Brian Urlacher and Julius Peppers had a memorable game, as the defense restrained the struggling Carolina offense from scoring a touchdown throughout the game.

The Chicago Bears earned their fourth win of the season and sole possession of the NFC North title with a 23-6 win over the Carolina Panthers.

Notes

Caleb Hanie was eventually the successor of Collins, who posted a passer rating of 6.2.

Matt Forte rushed for 166 yards on 22 carries, which pulled his rushing average to 4.2 yards-per-carry for the season.

Defensive end Israel Idonije tallied a career-high threesome of sacks, a few days after one-season-wonder Mark Anderson was released.

Julius Peppers had an acrobatic interception early in the game, which led to Chicago points.

Chris Harris continues to assist the Bears’ rushing defense, with five tackles and two assists on his way to a much improved outing.

And of course, former Pro Bowler Jay Cutler is on his way to starting next week versus Seattle, a much needed win yet again. This Sunday displayed the amount of desperation in terms of quarterback play, but Lovie Smith continues to find ways to win.